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PS 3505 
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1920 
Copy 1 



ternational Copyrighted (in England, her colonies, 
ited States) Edition of the Works of Best Authors 



No. 384 



The Fairy Woods 

A PLAY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 
in a Prologue 
and two acts. 

by 
IRENE JEAN CRANDALL 



COPYRIGHT 1920 BY SAMUEL FRENCH 

Amateurs may produce this Play without payment 
of Royalty. All other rights reserved. 

PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 
28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 SOUTHAMPTON ST. 

STRAND 



The Fairy Woods 

A PLAY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 
in a Prologue 
and two acts. 



by 



IRENE JEAN r]RANDALL 



COPYRIGHT 1920 BY SAMUEL FRENCH 

Amateurs may produce this Play without payment 
of Royalty. All other rights reserve^. 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 West 38th Street 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

Li; SOUTHAMPTON ST. 

STRAND 






uUN -J liJ2Q 



ns«i 



QCi.Li 54 876 



miWV^'^^ ' ^ 'V ;'^: 



The Fairy Woods 

BY 

IRENE JEAN CRANDALL 



- Characters: , 

Edith {about ten years old) 

Tom (about eleven years old) 

Flower Fairies 

Queen Rose 

King Peony 

Princess Violet 

Princess Lily 

Glover 

Madam Tulip 

Buttercup 

Jonquil 

Prince Butterfly 

Sir Firefly 

Bumble Bee 

Other Fairies of the Flower Court — Cowslips^ 
Poppies, Daisies, Corn-flowers, Daffodils, Forget- 
me-^ots and Wild Roses. 

PrologueT At the edge of the^ Woods. 
Act I. The Fairy Woods. Day-break. 
Act IL The Fairy Woods. Evening. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 



SUGGESTIONS FOR COSTUMES. 

All the Flower Fairies wear caps in the form 
of the flowers they represent, green stockings for 
stems and dresses or suits the color of their 
flowers. 

The caps can be made, at home or school, of 
crepe paper, or may be ordered iii)m Denison's. 

King Peony. Flaming red suit with peony 
cap. 

Queen Rose. Delicate pink dress with rose 
cap. 

Princess Violet. Violet dress and cap. 

Princess Lily. V/hite dress and lily cap. 

Clover. Pink and white dress with clover cap. 

Madam Tulip. Showy red and yellow costume 
with tulip cap. 

Buttercup. Yellow dress with buttercup cap. 

Jonquil. Yellow suit with jonquil cap. "" 

Evening Primrose. Pale yellow dress with 
primrose cap. 

Prince Butterfly. Brilliant yellow and black 
costume with wings. 

Sir Firefly. Green costume with green gauze 
wings. He carries an electric flash light. 

Bumble Bee. Black costume with yellow 
stripes across the breast. Gauze wings. 

Twilight Moth. Gray costume with wings. 

The wings can be made of tarlatan, wire and 
spangles, or they may be bought ready made. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 



SUGGESTIONS FOR STAGING. 

One stage setting will do for the entire play, 
because the prologue at the edge of the woods 
can be played in the front part of the stage as 
set for the other acts. 

If it is possible to have leafy boughs and ferns 
for the Fairy Woods, the stage can be made very 
attractive with the natural foliage. 

If real green boughs cannot be obtained, the 
artificial foliage used for trimming store windows 
and also for hats can be used, very effectively, or 
good results can be had with little expense by 
making foliage out of crepa paper. 

The fallen log can be made out of a barrel 
covered with brown burlap and painted with 
green for moss. 

Effective side drops can be made by cutting 
leaves out of wall paper and pasting them on 
green mosquito netting or tarlatan. 

The mossy throne of the Flower King and 
Queen can be made easily by covering boxes or 
a low seat with moss green cloth. 

In fact, it is possible for the director anl par- 
ticipants to make all the costumes and the stage 
settings with little expense. 

The play can be given out-of-doors. 




THE FAIRY WOODS 



NOTE. 



'^The Fairy Woods'' can be played either in- 
doors or outdoors and can be simply or elabor- 
ately staged, according to circumstances. The 
scene of the Fairy Woods may easily present as 
picture that will linger in the memory of the 
audience. 

If a smalll cast is desired, all but the speaking 
parts can be dropped or only a few Flower Fairies 
used for the dances. All parts may be played 
by girls, if so desired. 

The music during the play and between the 
acts will add much to the play if familiar flower 
songs are used. 



Prologue. 
Scene. At the edge of the Woods. 

(When the curtain rises Edith is lying on the 
ground, chin in hands, elbows on ground, absorbed 
in a book of fairy tales. ToM is practising for 
mumble-the-peg. For several minutes he throws 
the knife with great pride in his achievement.) 

Tom. {turning to Edith) I bet you can't do 
that. 
(Edith, absorbed in her story, does not ansxoer.) 

Tom. (impatiently) I say, Sis, can't you hear? 
(Edith starts and looks up) 

Edith. What is it? I was reading such n 
beautiful story. 



10 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Tom. {crossing his heart) Cross my heart and 
wish to die. 

Edith. Well — if you put a piece of that wood, 
sorrel in your shoe and walk through the woods, 
your eyes will be opened and you will see the 
fairies that live in the flowers and trees. Why 
— the woods are ful|l of these dear little folks. ^ 

Tom. {scornfully) Who told you that stuff? 
That putting a weed like that in your shoe would 
make you see things. 

Edith, {with conviction) Grandma told me 
and her mother told her. Once two little girls 
were going home after they had milked the cows. 
As they walked along the sountry road in the 
twilight, Ruth was surprised to see little fairies 
dancing on every bit of rising ground. "Oh, look" 
she cried, "See the dear piittle fairies." May 
looked but she didn't see them. 

Tom. Of course not. Nothing but grass asd 
flowers, I bet. 

Edith. When the girls came home Ruth told 
everybody what she had seen, but nobody would 
believe her. She was so discouraged that she 
cried. 

Tom. Just like a girl. (Tom turv^ a hand 
spring) 

Edith, {impatiently) Oh, listen to me. Can't 
you keep still one minute? 

Tom. No, Dad says I'm a jumping-jack. 
(Edith tries not to laugh and goes on with her 
story) 

Edith. When Ruth took off her shoes that 
night, what do you think she found? 

Tom. Sand. 




THE FAIRY WOODS li 

Edith. No, stupid. She wasn't walking on 
the beach, but in the woods. She found a piece 
of wood sorrel in her right shoe - a piece like this. 
{She holds up the plant with its delicate star-like 
flowers) Then she knew that it was the tiny- 
plant that had opened her eyes to the beautiful 
things in the woods and had given her the power 
of seeing the fairies that were invisible to other 
folks. 

(Tom goes up behind Edith and pulls her hair, 
Edith jerks away and starts to slap him, 
but thinks better of it) 

Edith. Stop, tease. 

Tom. Wh, I didn't do anything. It must have 
been an invisible fairy that pulled your hair. Do 
you think that I can see fairies if I put some of 
that {pointing contempuou^ly) in my shoe? 

Edith. Yes, you can see fairies sitting on their 
toadstools and drinking from acorn cups. 

Tom. WelJ, Fve been through the woods hun- 
dreds of times and I have never seen anything 
like that. I don't believe it, 

Edith, {going up to Tom and grasping his 
arm) Oh, Tom, if you would only believe you 
would see. You must believe first. 

Tom. No, seeing is believing. 

Edith. Let's try the wood sorrel. 

Tom. What a silly ideal 

Edith, {clapping her hands enthusiastically) 
ru telll you what we'll do. You put some of the 
wood sorrel in your shoe and FIl put some in 
mine and we'll walk through the woods and see 
what we'll see. 



■^mi 



12 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Tom. (scornfully) We won't see anything but 
trees and grass and wild flowers - and bugs. 

Edith. Let's try it and if we don't see the 
fairies, I'll never say another word about them. 

Tom. All right. Just to prove to you that 
fairies are aill nonsense, I'll do it. Give me a 
piece. 

Edith. Goody. 

(She hands TOM a piece of the wood sorrel. They 
sit down on the ground and each takes off a 
shoe and puts the sorrel in it) 

Edith. Oh, I'm so excited. (A little anxious- 
ly, she stops in the process of putting on her shoe) 

I wonder if this is the best time to go. 

Tom. What difference does the time make? 

liiDiTH. Lots of ciiiiereiice to the iairies. I'.ve 
heard that a good time to see them is very early 
in the morning when the dew is still on the grass 
and before human beings are out to disturb them. 
Let's get up very early tomorrow morning. 

Tom. I bet I can get up before you do, sleepy- 
head. , ; .A,^^^ 

Edith. Well, we'll see who is here first to- 
morrow morning ready to start through the 
woods. Don't tell anybody about it. 

Tom. All right. 

Edith. And don't forget the wood sorrejl that 
will open your eyes to all the hidden beauties of 
the woods. 

CURTAIN. 



li^> •• 






THE FAIRY WOODS 18 



ACT ONE 



Scene. The Fairy Woods at day-break. When 
the curtain rises King Peony and Queen Rose 
are seated upon a mossy hank at c. The Princess 
Lily stands to the right of her mother, the Queen, 
and little Buttercup sits on a toadstool D. R. 
There is a fallen log D. L. 

Queen Rose, dressed in delicate pink, is proud 
and stately. 

King Peony, in flaming red, is fat and pomp- 
ous. 

Princess Lily, in pure white, is tall, slender 
and haughty. 

Buttercup, in yellow, is a wee chubby thing. 

Queen Rose. I am very much discouraged 
about our daughter Violet. She is far too shy 
and modest for a Princess. 

King Peony. Yes, she hangs her head and 
shrinks from sight like a common country maid, 
when she should carry herself as befits one born 
to court life. 

Queen Rose. Now, the Princess Lily, {turn- 
ing to Lily) is so different. She is proud, stately 
and dignified as a daughter of ours should be. 

Princess Lily, {proudly) I try to remember 
that I am a flower princess and that my father 
and mother are king and queen. 

King Peony, {pompouslv) Quite right, my 
daughter. Never forget that we reign in the 
kingdom of flower fairies and that your father 
is descended from a moonbeam. 

QuFEN Rose. Princess Lilv is a credit to us, 
but what shall we do about Violet? 

King Peony. You should have brought her up 
differently. 



14 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Queen Eose. (sharply) Vtr sure that I am not 
entirely responsible for her bringing up. I think 
you ought to do something. 

King Peony. Engage a governess for her who 
will teach her correct deportment. 

Queen Rose. You know very well that we 
have had governesses and governesses, but they 
have not been satifactory. (in despair) I don't 
know what to do. 

Lily. Why not send for Mad^^me Tulip? I 
have heard that she is the best governess to teach 
deportment in all the flower kingdom. 

Queen Rose, (thinkino) Madame Tulip. Let 
me see. I wonder if T know her. Is she well 
recommended? 

Lily. Yes, indeed. She has taught in some 
of the best flower families. 

Queen Rose. She may be just the one for 
Violet. What do you thirk, your Majesty? (She 
turns to King Peony) 

King Peony, (with decision) We will send for 
Mpdam Tuliio at once. (He calls) Buttercup. 
(Little Buttercup 2)re5^?zis herself before the 
King and Queen) 

Buttercup, (waking a lev: courtesy) Yes, 
your Majesty. 

King Peony. Go to Madam Tulip and tell 
her that his Royal Highness, King Peony, com- 
m?«nds her presence at his court immediately. 

Buttercup. Yes, your Majesty. 

Queen Rose. And stop at the mossy bank 
down by the brook and tell the Princess Violet 
that her mother and father wish to see her at 
once. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 15 

Buttercup. Yes, your Royal Highness. I will 
carry your messages as fast as I can. 

(Buttercup goes out. Edith and Tom come in 
quietly from R. They stop at the side near 
a big tree. Edith is so excited and delighted 
that she com hardly keep still. TOM is puzz- 
led. He shakes his head as if he did not knoiv 
what to make of the scene before him. Then 
he pinches himseff to see if he is awake. 
Edith whispers something in his ear and 
they sit down under the big tree to watch the 
flower fairies, who are entirely unconscious 
of the presence of the children.) 

Queen Rose. I do hope that Madame Tulip 
will prove a good governess. T want Violet to 
improve before the ball we give for Prince But- 
terfly. 

Princess Lily. When is the ball, mother? 
Queen Rose. Tomorrow night by moonlight. 
Lily. That is very soon. 

Queen Rose. Not too soon for a good teacher 
to show some improvement in her pupil. T am 
not unreasonable, but I expect results. 

King Peony. Here comes M^rdame Tulip now. 

(Madam Tulip comes in from l. She wears a 
showy red and yellow costume and is stiff 
and haughty, carrying her head high. She 
presents herself before the King and Queen, 
making a deep bow.) 

King Peony. Madam Tulip, we have sent for 
you because we have heard that you are a good 
governess to teach deportment. 






16 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Madam Tulip. Your Majesties, I have taught 
the daughters of some of the best families in the 
flower kingdom and they have become as haughty 
as tulips and as stiff as pokers. 

Queen Rose. Then you are the governess we 
want for the Princess Violet. She is far too shy 
and timid for her station in life. 

Madam Tulip. T am at your service. 

Queen Rose. The Princess Violet is a sweet 
child, but she lacks the pride and dignity that a 
daughter of ours should have. It will be your 
task to teach her to carry herself as a Princess 
should. 

Madam Tulip. After a short time under my 
instruction the Princess Violet will have such an 
erect' carriage that even the bo^r trees and the 
yews will envy her. 

King Peony. That's exactly what we want, 

(Princess Violet comes in with Buttercup. Shp 
is dressed in violet and is sweet, sJiv and 
drooving. She goes up to the mossy throne 
timidly and kneels to her father and mother.) 

Violet, (rising) Buttercup says that you wish 
to see me. 

Queen Rose. Yes, Violet, we have enga<Teri 
a new governess for you. Madam Tulin, the 
Princess Violet. (Violet hows to Madam Tulip) 
She will teach you to carry yourself as aTrincess 
should. 

Violet, (demurely) Yes, mother. 

King Peony. Your mother and I have been 
very much disappointed in you because you are 
so shv and hang your head. We wish you to be 
proud and stately like your sister Lily. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 17 

ViOLi^T. I'm afraid that I can never be like 
her. Violets and Lilies are so different. I know 
I am only a modest flower fairy, but I am content 
and I try to be sweet to all; rich and poor. 
Queen Rose. That's just the trouble. 
Madam Tulip. I will teach her to carry her 
head high, so that even the Hollyhocks on their 
^ high stalks will not be stiffer than your daughter, 
j the Princess. 

(Jonquil comes running in, all out of breath. He 
is dressed in a light yellow suit. He goes to 
the King and Queen and kneels.) 

Queen Rose. What is it. Jonquil? Do you 
bring a message? 

Jonquil, {rising and finally getting his breath) 
I have news for your majesties. 

King Peony. Not bad news I hope. 

Jonquil. That depends. Clover is on her way 
to visit you. (Queen Rose throws up her hands 
and Buttercup tumbles off her toadstool) 

Queen Rose. What! Our little country cousin 
coming to court. 

King Peony. I wonder who invited her. Did 
you? (To Queen Rose) 

Queen Rose. I believe that once - a long time 
ago - I did give her one of those general invita- 
tions that one gives out of politeness, but I never 
dreamed that she would accept it. 

Lily. I suppose she will be very countrified 
and that we will blush for shame at her manners. 

Queen Rose. It is very awkward to have her 
come just now, when we are going to have the 
ball for Prince Butterfly. 



¥- 



18 THE FAIRY \TOODS 

Violet, (excited) Prince Butterfly? Is he 
coming to Flower Court? 

King PeOxNY. Yes, I sent an invitation by 
South Wind several days ago to Prince Butterfly 
and his friend Sir Firefly. 

Violet. How lovely! 

Queen Rose, you can't expect them to notice 
you unless you improve in your manners. 

Violet, (hanging her head) I suppose not. 

Queen Rose. AlH the flower fairies like Prince 
Butterfly ana wish to have him for a friend, 
but he flits from one to another and has never 
been able to make up his mind to choose one. 

Lily. He must be very particular. 

King Peony. He is and that is why we must 
remember our manners when he comes. 

Queen Rose. Oh, I have so many troubles and 
now Jonquil says that Clover is coming to Flower 
Court just when we have no place for her. I 
don't know what I'm going to do. It makes me 
faint to think of it. Fan me, Lily. 

(Lily fans Queen Rose with a roseleaf fan. They 
all look anxiously at the Queen, but she soon 
revives.) 

Violet, (sweetly) I think it's lovely that Cjlover 
is coming. I know I shall like her. 

Queen Rose, (crossly) That is just like you, 
Violet. You haven't a bit of proper pride. 

Madam Tulip, (to Violet) Always hold your 
head high. 

(Violet tries to obey her governess by throwing 
up her head. A buzzing sound is heard and 
little Buttercup runs across the stage and 
hides behind the fallen log.) 



m: ? ■ 



THE FAIRY WOODS 19 

King Peony. What's the matter, Buttercup? 

Buttercup, (peeking out) Old Bumble Bee is 
coming and he's so sharp and stinging, I'm afraid 
of him. 

King Peony. He is a grouchy old fellow. 

Queen Rose. He's always finding fault and 
saying something mean about somebody. 

Jonquil. Here he comes. 
(Bumble Bee comes in with a buzzing sound. 
He is dressed in a black velvet suit with 
yelloiv bands across his breast and wears 

Bumble Bee. (crosdy) Is Cicver here? 
^ Queen Rose. No, she is not. Why should you 
look for her here? 

Bumble Bee. She has left the farm where she 
has lived all her life and where everybody loves 
her and I was told she was on her way to your 
court. I want to find her. 

King Peony. What for? 

Bumble Bee. (sharp\ly) That's my affair. 

King Peony. You needn't be so cross about 
it. 

Bumble Bee. I don't want folks to ask me 
questions. It makes me mad. (Buzz) If Clover 
isn't here, I'm going on. 

Queen Rose. Pray do, Bumble Bee. We have 
no wish to keep you. 

(Bumble BfeE goes off and Buttercup comes 
from her hiding place with a sigh of relief.) 

Buttercup. Has he gone? 

Queen Rose. Yes, thank goodness. 

Violet. I'm glad he didn't find Clover. Ho 
looks so cross, but he may have a good heart. 



20 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Princess Lily. He's an old grouch. 
Queen Rose. I don't see how we can enter- 
tain Clover now. 
King Peony. Perhaps she will not stay long. 
Lily. Let's hope she'll make her visit short. 

(Clover comes in from R. She is dressed in deep 
pink and white and is cheery, simple and 
natural. She carries her baggage in a large 
green leaf satchel. She stops, ^ooks around 
q/nd hesitates.) 

Clover. Is this the court of King Peony and 
Queen Rose? 

{All except Violet assume a stiff and haughty 
air and Clover is bewildered.) 

King Peony. Yes, my girl, this is Flower 
Court. -<"^"^ 

Clover, (with hesitation) I have come to visit 
my cousins, (looking around) but perhaps I had 
better not stay. 

Queen Rose, (stiffly) You are welcome, of 
course, but we thought this was a strange time of 
the year for you to leave the farm. 

Clover. It is beautiful on tilie farm now. Th^ 
crickets are chirping, the busy ants are at work 
and the bees are gathering the honey. The farm 
is a happy, busy place, but I wanted to see a little 
of the world. (Wistfully) You see I have never 
been away from home before, and I have heard 
so much about your wonderful Court of Fairy 
Flowers. 

Princess Lily. Very true, but your visit is 
so unexpected. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 21 

Clover. I'm afraid I have come at the wrong 
time. 

Queen Rose. You may stay unt^ after break- 
fast, but I think that you had better go back to 
the farm this afternoon. 

Clover. Of course, if I am not welcome I will 
go home right away. 

(She looks disappointed and almost ready to cry) 

King Peony. There - there girl - don't cry. 

Queen Rose. Some other time we shall be 
glad to have you pay us a visit. 

Clover, (wistfully) I wanted to see the world, 
,but it is so different from what I expected. I 
was happier on the farm. 

Queen Rose. That's just it, Clover, we all are 
happier when we stay in our own places. Butter- 
cup, what time is it by yonder dandelion? 

(Buttercup runs to the edge of the woods and 
blows five puffs) 

Buttercup. Your Royal Highness, it is five 
o'clock by the dandelion. 

Queen Rose. The sun is rising in the east. 

King Peony. Yes, it is day-break and all the 
fairies must go back to their flowers, for soon 
mortals will be walking through the woods. 

Queen Rose. Before we part for the day, we 
must have breakfast. Buttercup, bring the straw- 
berries from the dell and the fairy cheeses from 
the mallow plant. Jonquil, find some honey for 
us and bring the dew in acorn cups. 

(The fairies obey orders and hurry about bring- 
ing the refreshments, first to the Queen and 



w 



22 THE FAIRY WOODS 

King and then to the others. Violet and 
Clover keep close together. Tom jumps up 
and starts forward as if he would join the 
fairies at their breakfast. Edith holds him 
hack.. .She puts her finger on her lips as if 
she would tel\l Tom to be silent. She finally 
succeeds in restraining him) 

Violet, (to Clover) Bumble Bee was here 
looking for you. 

Clover, (laughing) Oh, the funny old thing. 
I suppose he made a fuss. 

Violet. Yes, indeed. Buttercup^ was afraid 

of him. ^ ^^:mii1I^ 

Clover. He's rough and he seems cross, but 
he is really kind-hearted and he's a good friend 
to me and my family. 

Buttercup, (coming bavk with the strawber- 
rie) Oh, dear, I've torn my dress on a thorn. 
(Begins to cry) 

Madam Tulip. Careless child. 

Clover. Never mind, dear. Bring me a pine 
needle and I'll mend it for you. 

(Buttercup brings a pine needle and Clover 
mends her dress.) 

Violet, (to her mother) Queen Mother, what 
are we going to have for supper when Prince 
Butterfly comes to our ball? 

Queen Rose. Hush, Violet. We did not wish 
you to speak of that new. {Ivith a took at Clover) . 

Violet, (innocently) Why not? You just told 
us about Prince Butterfly coming. 

Queen Rose. Quite true, but it may not I? 
possible to invite every one to the ball. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 23 

Clover, {looking bewildered) I don't under- 
stand. We don't have balls at the farm, onl^ 
snowballs on the bushes in the front yard. Y 
love to see a ball. 

Queen Rose. You couldn't be expected to knoT 
about these pleasures of court Hife nor take part 
in them. 

Violet. Oh, mother, Fm sure that Clover 
would enjoy the party. 

Queen Rose. We'll say no more about it, Prin- 
cess Violet. 

King Peony. Now breakfast is over, we 
must go back to our flowers before mortals see 
us. 

Queen Rose. Let's have one dance before we 
leave. 

King Peony. Here are the Poppies and Daisies 
coming through the woods now. We'll have these 
little fairies dance for us as they sway on their 
stems when the Wind hurries across the fields. 

(Several Poppies and Daisies come in with danc- 
ing steps. The Poppies are in red and the 
Daisies in white. When the dance is ended 
they take their places back of the mossy 
throne.) 

Clover. Your Majesties, would you like to 
have me dance for you? 

Queen Rose, (in surprise) You? Oh, no, we 
never have farm dances here. 

Clover. I thought dancing was just being 
happy with your feet. When the sunbeams smile 
at me and the gencle breezes blow kisses, I dance 
because my heart is gay. 



24 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Queen Rose. Some other time, Clover, you 
may show us your way of dancing, but now it's 
time for us to go, before any mortals come to 
the woods. 

Clover, (in a disappointed tone) Just as you 
wish. 

Princess Lily. When shall we meet again? 

King Peony, (rising) Let all the flower fairies 
assemble at this place tomorrow night when the 
Cowslips ring their bells. 

Queen Rose, (rising) Then we shall dancei by 
the light of the moon and Prince Butterfly and 
his friend Sir Firefly will be here. 

(They all go off except CLOVER, who stays behind 
bewildered and sad. She picks up her leaf 
satchel. ViOLET comes in shy^y and slowly 
She watches Clover for a minute and then 
goes up to her.) 

Violet. Don't go, Clover. 

Clover. Yes, I must go home. I'm not want- 
ed here. 

Violet. I'm sorry that you feel that way. I'm 
glad you've come and I want to make you happy 
here. 

Clover, (gratefidly) Oh, thank you. You are 
so kind. Princess Violet. 

Violet. Don't call me Princess. I'm just 
simple Violet to you. 

Clover, (sweetly and lovingly) Violet - dear 
Violet. 

Violet. Stay with me, I need you for a friend. 
I'm lonely, sometimes. 

(Clover hesitates and then holds out her hand 
to Violet.) 



SUgUi; 



THE FAIRY WOODS 25 

Clover. For you I wijll stay, but I^m afraid it 
may make trouble. ^ 

Violet. No, I don't think so. But there is no 
time to lose. It's day-break. We must go back 
to our flowers. We'll meet here when the Cow- 
slips ring their bells. 

CURTAIN. 



'>m^ 



26 THE FAIRY WOODS 

ACT TWO. 

(The Fairy Woods by moonlight. The scene is 
the same as Act I, only it is night. When 
the curtain goes up there is no one on the 
stage, but Tom and Edith asleep under the 
big tree. The sound of tiny, sweet bells is 
heard. Then several Cowslips come in from 
R. They are dressed in yellow and carry tiny 
bells and go out L. Little Buttercup comes 
in from R, looks around, sees no one, crosses 
the stage and lies down by the big log. MaX)AM 
Tulip's voice is heard outside, saying, ''You 
must always hold your head high J' Madam 
Tulip and Violet come in from l. The 
governess is very stiff and haughty and 
Violet is trying to imitate her, but ^vithout 
much success. Tom and Edith wake up, 
sit up and rub their eyes, but remain silent 
tvhile they eagerly watch the fairy drama 
being acted out before them.) 

Madam Tulip. Princess Violet, hold your head 
high. 

Violet. I'm so tir^d of hearing that. You 
say it over and over again, like the chorus of a 
song. Why, when we walk through the Queen's 
gardens even the parrot says *'You must always 
hold your head high." 

Madam Tulip, (with dignity) It is necessary 
to repeat it to impress it upon your mind. You 
know that the King and Queen wished a decided 
improvement in your manners before the ball to- 
night. 

Violet, (sadly) Oh, I know, but it is no use 
trying to make a Violet into a Lily, or a Tulip. 



THE FAIRY WOODS 27 

I think I was made to be different. There must 
be a pjlace in the Flower Kingdom for a fairy 
Jike me. ] 

Madam Tulip. But remember your station in 
life and carry yourself with the dignity becoming 
a princess. 

Violet. Oh, dear, I want to forget that I am 
a princess for just one night. I wonder where 
the others are. The Cowslips are ringing their 
bells and it is time to meet. (Clover comes in 
from R.) Here's Clover now. 

Madam Tulip, {surprised) I thought that 
Clo^^er had gone home to thei farm. 

Violet. I asked her to stay. She seemed so 
disappointed. 

Madam Tulip. The King and Queen will be 
very m.uch surprised and displeased. 

Violet. I know, but I couldn't let her go away 
unhappy. 

Clover, {cording forward) Is this the place? 

Violet. Yes, Clover, I'm glad you've come so 
early. I want to talk to you before all the other^^ 
come. 

Madam Tulip. I will walk down to the bi5r 
maple tree. Remember, Princess Violet, yo^^ 
mu!^t alwavs hold your head high. 
(Madam Tulip vwlks off stiff as a poker.) 

Clover. Isn't she proud? 

Violet, (sighing) Yes, Clover. Did you evc^^ 
have a governess like that? 

Clover. Oh, no, I have never had a governe.^^ 
of any kind. We couldn't afford it. I just gre^:' 
- just blossomed in the fields. 

Violet. How lovely! I wish I could be lik(^ 
that - wild and free. 



<-;\^\-;'M^ 



28 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Clover, (ivith admiration) But you are a 
King's daughter. It must be wonderful to be a 
Flower Princess. 

Violet. No, it isn't. It's stupid. I hope that 
you didn't feel unhappy about the way you were 
received here. You know that court ways are 
different from farm ways. 

Clover. So I see. I was unhappy at first 
(wistfully) but I hope that you will learn to love 
me before I go. 

Violet. I love you already, Clover. (Squeezing 
her) You're a dear. 

Clover. You give me a happy feeling around 
my heart. You're so much like my friends at 
home. 

Violet. I'll t^l you a secret. I think I really 
belong on the farm instead of here at court. 

Clover. Is it going to be a real ball tonight? 

Violet. Yes, a fairy ball for Prince Butterfly 
and Sir Firefly. 

Clover. I do hope I shall meet Prince Butter- 
fly. I have heard so much about him. The 
Katydids often talk about him and all the flower? 
I know admire him. 

y Violet. They say that he's wonderful, but T 
don't suppose that he will notice us. Mother 
thinks that he will like my sister Lily. 
(Buzz - buzz - buzz) 

Clover, (startled) What's that noise? 

Violet, (drawing back) That's old Bumble Bee. 
Let's run away and hide. He's such a cross old 
thing with his sharp stings. 

Clover. Oh, no, he isn't really cross, but we 
will run away just for fun. 




THE FAIRY WOODS 29 

(Violet and Cloyee rmi off to the right while 
Bumble Bee comes in from the left. He 
looks around, at first sees no one, then spies 
Buttercup and go^es over to her. She jumps 
up with a start.) 

Buttercup. Go away, you horrid old Bumble 
Bee. 

Bumble Bee. {crossly) Where's C|lover? 
Buttercup. I don't know. Go away. Ouch. 

(Bumble Bee wounds Buttercup ivith his sharp 
dagger and she falls to the ground with a 
a cry while he goes os. Clover and Violet 
come .running back at Buttercup's cry. 
They go to her and Clover kneels beside her) 

Clover. Poor little Buttercup, are you hurt? 

Buttercup. Yes, old Buinble Bee hurt me with 

Violet. V/e didn't know you were here. 

Clover. No, indeed, or we should never have 
gone off and left you for Bumble Bee. 

Violet. I'm so sorry. 

Clover. Don't cry, Buttercup. I know he 
didn't mean to do it. We'll make you well. 

Violet. Yes, Clover knows what to do. 
Clover. Princess Viojet, if you will bring 
some of that cob-web I'll bind up her wound. 

(Violet goes off for the cob-web and Prince 
Butterfly and Sir Firefly come in unob- 
served by the others. Prince Butterfly 
wears a brilliant yellow and black costume 
with wings. He is graceful and attractive. 
Firefly wears a green costume with green 
wings and carries a small electric flash light 
that he turns on and off as he darts here and 



30 THE FAIRY WOODS 

there with light, quick movements. They 
watch Clover caring for Buttercup.) 

Clover. Don't cry, little Buttercup. 

Buttercup. That horrid Bumble Bee fright- 
ened me so. 

Clover. Yes, dear, but I'^l tell you a story to 
make you forget all about it. 

Buttercup. (drT/mgr her eyes) Oh, will you? 
I love stories. 

Clover. Jonny Quil met Daffy Dil 

One fine day on top of a hill. 
Said Mr. Jonny to Miss Daffy, 
'^Won't you dance and make me 

happy?" 
Gaily she shook her yellow frill. 
"No, sir," laughed pretty Daffy DiL 
But he urged, *'0h, dance with me, 

please, 
Don't you feel the lovely spring 

breeze?" 
Daffy Dil replied, "With pleasure, 
If the wind blows time and measure." 
Then Daffy Dil and Jonny Quil 
Gaily danced on top of the hill. 

(Buttercup laughs out loud.) 

Violet, {coming in with the cob-web) Here's 
the cob-web. 

Clover, (binding up the wound) That's a good 
old-fashioned way to heal a wounded flower fairy. 
My grandmother taught me to do it. 

Violet, (with admiration) How many useful 
things you know, Clover. 



!^V*<fe,l 



THE FAIRY WOODS 31 

Clover. On the farm we have to learn to 
depend upon ourselves. There, dear Buttercup, 
you'll soon be well. 

Buttercup. Thank you, sweet Clover. You 
are so kind. (She puts her arms around Clover's 
neck and kisses her.) 

Prince Butterfly, (coming forward and look- 
ing around) I wonder if this is the court of King 
Peony and Queen Rose. 

Sir Firefly, (coming forward) Here is the 
invitation, written on a piece of birch iDark : "King 
Peony and Queen Rose request the pleasure of 
Prince Butterfly's company at a fairy ball on All 
Elves night in the depths of the Fairy Woods by 
moonlight, when the Cowslips ring their bells." 

Butterfly. This must be the time and the 
place. There are some flower fairies over there. 

(Violet and Clover draw back shyly when they 
see Prince Butterfly and Sir Firefly) 

Butterfly. Is this the place where the flower 
fairies' ball is to be held to-night? 

Clover, (demurely) Yes, sir. 

Butterfly. Are you one of King Peony's 
daughters? 

Clover. Oh, no, I'm only Clover, a country 
cousin, but this is the Princess Violet. 

Butterfly. I'm glad to meet you both. This 
is my friend Firefly. 

Firefly, (bowing) I am pleased to meet you. 
I love to see the flower fairies as I dart here and 
there making the dark places light. 

Violet. We have been expecting you. I'm 



32 THE FAIRY WOODS 

sorry that the King ^nd Queen are not here to 
welcome you. Old Bumble Bee has hurt little 
Buttercup and Olover is caring for her. 

Butterfly. I see she is a good little nurse. 

Buttercup, (jumping up) I'm all right now. 
Clover has made me well. 

Butterfly. If I break a wing I shall ask 
Clover to bind it up for me. 

Clover, (modestly) It's very little I have done. 

Butterfly. It's the little deeds of kindness 
that make the^ world brighter. 

Violet, (to Firefly) Have you come far? 

Firefly. We've been flying over hill and dale 
since daybreak. ^ 

Clover. You've had a longer trip than I have. 

Butterfly. Did you come a long way? 

Clover. Just from the farm. 

Violet, (to Firefly) Do tell us about your trip. 

Firefly. The loveliest sight we saw, before 
we reached his enchanted spot, (with a bow to 
Violet and Clover) was down in the glen. It 
,was dark and so I flashed my light, like this, and 
there was the Twilight Moth hovering about the 
Evening Primrose and telling her good-night 
stories. 

Violet. How lovely ! I wish I could see them. 

Butterfly. Perhaps you may, for I heard the 
Evening Primrose say that she would like to 
come to the fairies' ball tonight. 

Clover. I do hope they will be here. 

Butterfly. Shall we walk down to the brook 
while we are waiting for the ball to begin? 

Clover. That would be fun. 

Butterfly. Princess Violet, will you show 
the way? 




THE FAIRY WOODS 33 

Violet. I'd love to. 

Butterfly. And Firefly will light our path. 

(Firefly and Violet start off l followed by 
Clover and Prince Butterfly. Buttercup 
perches herself on the toadstool. King Peony 
and Queen Rose, follotved by Princess Lily. 
come in from R. After them come a retinue 
of Flower Fairies - COWSLIPS, Poppies, Dais- 
ies, Daffodils, Corn-Flowers, Forget-Mf 
NoTS and Wild Roses. The King and Quee^^ 
seat themselves on the mossy bank, the Prin- 
cess Lily stands at one side and the othp^:- 
Flower Fairies group themselves about the 
throne.) 

Queen Rose. I hope that everything will p-o 
off v/ell at the ball this evening. It is the fir?^ 
time Prince Butterfly has been here and I wap^ 
to make a good impression on him. 

King Peony. Don't worry. {Boastfully) Oir 
balls have always been successful affairs. 

Queen Rose. Fm glad that Clover didn't st«^^ 
for the ball to-night. I know that her countrified^ 
ways woult shock Prince Butterfly. 

King Peony. It was too bad to make the child 
UT) happy, but I suppose it was the best. 

Queen Rose. Of course, it was best. W^ 
couldn't have our ball spoiled by a country cousin. 
(Looking around) But why don't they come? Th'^ 
moon is rising and the Cowslips are rineine* the^.' 
bells. 

King Peony. Buttercup, have you seen any 
of our fairies? 

Buttercup. Yes, your Majesty, the Princess 



34 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Violet, Madam Tulip and Clover, but they all 
went away. 

Queen Rose, (in great surprise) Clover? Did 
you say Clover was here? 

Buttercup. Yes, your Majesty. 

Queen Rose. How did it happen? I thought 
she had gone back to the farm. 

Buttercup. The Princess Violet asked her to 
stay. 

Princess Lily. Just like Violet. She has no 
pride. 

Queen Rose. I'm quite upset. My plans are 
spoiled. 

King Peony. Now, don't make a fuss. Calm 
yourself. Worse things might have happened. 

Buttercup. Yes, old Bumble Bee might have 
stung you. 

Queen Rose. What do you mean? 

Buttercup. Well, old Bumble Bee has been 
flying around. He hurt me, but Clover took care 
of me and made me well. 

Queen Rose, (impatiently) Clover - always 
Clover. Will I never hear the last of her? 

(Clover and Violet stroll in, followed by PRiNcr 
Butterfly. Clover and Violet make lov 
hows before the King and Queen.) 

King Peony. You are late. The bells have 
been ringing a long time. 

Violet. We were here earlier, but did not find 
your majesties and so we walked down to th<^ 
brook. Prine Butterfly and his friend Sir Fire- 
fly are here. 

(Prince Butterfly and Sir Firefly step for- 



^f^'^^C ^ 



THE FAIRY WOODS 



35 



ward and present themselves to the King and 
Queen.) 

King Peony. You are welcome to the court 
of the Flower Fairies. 

Queen Rose. Yes, it gives us great pleasure 
to receive you, Prince Butterfly and Sir Firefly. 

King Peony. This is our daughter, the Prin- 
cess Lily. 

(Lily makes a stately how.) 

Prince Butterfly, (bowing) I'm pleased to 
meet you. 

Firefly, (bowing) Delighted. 

Queen Rose. And our other daughter, the 
Princess Violet. 

(Violet smiles with shy sweetness) 

Butterfly. We have had the pleasure of 
meeting the Princess Violet and — 

(He turns towards Clover but Queen Rose ig- 
nores her. There is an embarraassing pause 
while Clover stands waiting.) 

Princess Violet. Queen Mother, you have 
forgotten Clover. 

Queen Rose. Oh, yes, this is a little friend 
who has come up from the farm to spend a few 
days at court. She happened to arrive just at 
the time of the ball in your honor, Prince Butter- 
fly, but, of course, it can be arranged -r 

Buttercup, (interrupting) I am very glad 
she came just at this time. 

(Queen Rose looks siirprised and turns in aston- 
ishment first to King Peony and then to 



36 THE FAIRY WOODS 

Princess Lily. Madam Tulip comes in, 
stiff and straight, folloivedby JoNQUiL, trying 
to imitate her.) 

King Peony. Good evening, Madam Tulip and 

Jonquil. " ' 

Madam Tulip. Good evening, your Majesties. 

(Jonquil bows.) 

King Peony. Madam Tulip, I see that you 
have made some progress with your pupil. 

Queen Rose. Yes, some improvement, although 
she is not yet as proud as we should like to have 
her. 

Madam Tulip. I am grateful to your Majes- 
ties. 

King Peony. As a reward for the patience 
you have shown in instructinp- the Princess Violet 
in instructing the Princess Violet in correct de- 
portment. I bestow upon you. Madam Tulip, this 
token of royal favor, - the order of the red and 
yellow ribbon. Buttercup. 

(Buttercup presents herself before the King and 
he gives her a red and yellow ribbon to pin 
on Madam Tultp'p. dress. Madam Tulip 
makes a lov) courtesy,) 

Madam Tulip. King Peo:oy, I am grateful to 
you for this honor and I and my descendents of 
the Tulip family will wear the red and yellow with 
great pride. 

King Peony. Rise, Madam Tulip. {Looking 
around) Now I think we are all here. Let us 
begin the dance. 

Queen Rose. Where are the musicians? 






THE FAIRY WOODS 37 

King Peony. Let the Katydids, the Crickets 
and all the little creatures of the woods furnish 
the music. 

(Music outside. Enter EVENING PRIMROSE and 
Twilight Moth. She is in pale yellow and 
he is in gray.) 

Queen Rose. Here are our friends Evening 
Primrose and Twilight Moth who have come to 
dance for us. 

(Evening Primrose and Twilight Moth dance) 

(Bumble Bee buzzes in and little Buttercup runs 
across the stage and hides. Bumble Bee 
sees Clover.) 

Bumble Bee. At last, Fve found you. Clover. 

(He rushes towards her and Prince Butterfly 

goes to her assistance and drives BUMBLE Bee 

away. Clover clings to Prince Butterfly 

in gratitude.) 

Clover. Thank you, Prince Butterfly, you are 
so good and brave. Bumble Bee is very rough 
sometimes. 

Queen Rose, (in reproach) Clover, you must 
not trouble Prince Butterfly. Remember you 
are only a farmer's lass. 

(Clover, sad and hurt, retires to the background 
"aliS'^PmNCE Butterfly looks indignant.) 

King Peony. You are the guest of honor, so 
you shall be the first to choose a partner and lead 
the dance. Look about you and choose among 
these Flov^er Fairies. Choose the one that pleases 



''i^-n 



38 THE FAIRY WOODS 

your fancy - Lily, Violet, Buttercup, Eveniiig 
Primrose. 

Prince Butterfly. Thank you, King Peony. 
Among so many beautiful ones it is hard to choose. 

(He looks from one to the other) For a long time 
I have been looking for my Flower Fairy. 

Queen Rose. And haven't you found her? 

Butterfly. Not until to-night. 

Queen Rose. {excttea)To-mght1 

Prince Butterfly. Yes. I have flitted thru 
many gardens and sipped honey from many flow- 
ers, but some were too gay, and some too proud' 
and others, too vain. 

(Queen Rose, King Peony and Madam Tulip 

look distressed and murmur, '^too proud - 

too gay - too vain") 

Butterfly. But to-oight in this enchanted 

wood, I met one who is sweet, dear and simple 

and seems to think of others instead of herself 

and so to me the loveliest of all is - (They all 

wait for his decision. He goes straight to CLOVER) 

Clover. 

(Clover is surprised, as he leads her out, but 
smiles up at him. King Peony and Queen 
Rose are very much troubled.) 

Queen Rose. Wlio would have thought it? 
Princess Lily. There is no accounting for 
tastes. 

(Sir Firefly chooses Violet) 

Firefly. Priniess Violet, will you dance with 
me? 



\ 



THE FAIRY WOODS 39 

Violet. It 13 sweet to be chosen by you, Sir 
Firefly. 

(Jonquil takes Buttercup, Bumble Bee chooses 
Princess Lily and they all take their posi- 
tions for the dance, Tom and Edith come 
forward, hut the Flower Fairies are too much 
absorbed in their ovm affairs to notice them 
at first.) 

Tom. Are we awake or dreaming? (He pinches 
his arm.) 

Edith. I guess it's a drea-m with our eyes 
open. You haven't lost the wood sorrel, have 
you? 

Tom. No, it's, in my shoe. I wonder if it'<=j 
the wood sorrel that has made me see all the 
strange things that have happened in these wood^ 
v/hile we have been sitting under that big trep 
over there ? 

Edith. T told you there were wondei^ful sights 
here if we had the eyes to see. You do believe iv 
fairies now, don't you? 

(Before Tom has time to answer the Flower Fair- 
ies see them.) 
Ci/OVER. Oh, look. Some children have corrr^ 
to join in our frolic. M^^ he?rt's so happy that 
my feet are dancey. 

(Clover dances with Prince Butterfi.y. Th?v 
all the fairies join in the dance,) 
Edith. We'll never forget this night in the 

Fairy Woods. 

(The Flower Fairies dance gaily around Edtttt 
and Tf^T'T aci the citrtain goes doum.) 

CURTAIN. 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 

015 905 053 1 Y 



